ERD Canvas

The ERD Canvas is the primary workspace for designing database schemas in Qubase.

It provides a visual environment where you can create tables, define relationships, organize layouts, and manage your database structure without writing SQL manually.

Every Database Schema is designed inside the ERD Canvas.

Before you begin

Before using the ERD Canvas, ensure that you have:

• Created a Workspace
• Created a Project
• Created a Database Schema
• Selected a database model type

[!NOTE] The ERD Canvas automatically opens after creating a new Database Schema.

Canvas overview

The ERD Canvas consists of several areas that work together during database design.

What you can do on the canvas

Using the ERD Canvas, you can:

• Create new tables
• Rename database objects
• Move tables freely
• Resize tables
• Create relationships
• Edit columns
• Configure keys
• Organize layouts
• Delete objects
• Save changes automatically

Creating a table

To add a new table:

1. Open the ERD Canvas.
2. Click Add Table from the toolbar.
3. Enter a table name.
4. Add columns.
5. Define a Primary Key.
6. Save the table.

The new table immediately appears on the canvas.

Selecting objects

Click any object on the canvas to display its properties.

You can select:

• Tables
• Relationships
• Columns
• Connection lines

The Properties Panel updates automatically based on the selected object.

Moving tables

Tables can be repositioned freely.

Simply:

1. Select a table.
2. Drag it to a new location.
3. Release the mouse button.

Relationship lines update automatically.

[!TIP] Organize related tables close together to improve readability.

Zooming and navigation

Large database schemas can contain dozens or even hundreds of tables.

Use the zoom controls to:

• Zoom In
• Zoom Out
• Reset Zoom
• Fit to Screen

The Mini Map provides a quick overview of the entire diagram.

Working with relationships

Relationships can be created directly on the canvas.

Simply:

1. Select a table.
2. Drag from a relationship handle.
3. Connect to another table.
4. Configure the relationship.

Supported relationship types include:

• One-to-One
• One-to-Many
• Many-to-Many

Editing objects

Double-click an object to edit it.

Depending on the selected item, you can update:

• Table name
• Column name
• Data type
• Constraints
• Relationship settings

Changes are reflected immediately on the canvas.

Automatic saving

Qubase automatically saves changes while you work.

This reduces the risk of losing progress during database design.

[!NOTE] Some actions may require confirmation before permanent changes are applied.

Keyboard shortcuts

The ERD Canvas supports common keyboard shortcuts.

Best practices

• Keep related tables together.
• Avoid overlapping relationship lines.
• Use meaningful table names.
• Define Primary Keys before relationships.
• Review the diagram regularly as it grows.

Next steps

After learning the ERD Canvas, continue with:

• Create Tables
• Columns and Constraints
• Relationships
• Canvas Tools